Former Indian cricket Aakash chopra has revealed his predicted Pakistan by playing xi for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025making a notable option to place Babar Azam on No. 3 in the batting series. Chopra shared his ideas on a video on his YouTube channel, highlighting Pakistan’s Pakistani’s strengths and possible strategies for the tournament, which is to be played in Pakistan and Dubai since February 19th.
Aakash Chopra predicts Pakistan’s Xi game
Chopra’s anticipated xi includes Saud Shakeel’s collaboration Fakar Zaman As open, followed by Babar at No. 3, Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4 and then Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed. This option sees Babar – who fell as a opener in recent races – by moving the order, with Saud Shakeel giving the top a chance.
“How will their foreseen XI be? I’m thinking of Saud Shakeel with Fakhar Zaman, as Saim Ayub doesn’t exist now. Babar Azam at No. 3, Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4 and then Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, Chopra said.
Basic observations
The role of Babar Azam: Chopra underlined the importance of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan as the turns of the Pakistan series. He noted that Pakistan’s success is closely linked to the performance of Babar, which has garnered over 6,000 ODIS routes with an impressive average.
“They are still very much dependent on Babar Azam – 6000 ODI runs and the speed at which it has reached so far. Babar Azam’s performances and Pakistan’s wins are close to each other. He and Mohamad Rizwan are their vessels , “ The former India opener added.
Saud Shakeel as an opener: Chopra’s choice from Shakeel as a opener is particularly remarkable, indicating a new approach to Pakistan’s top series.
Also read: Ahmed Shehzad beats Pakistan’s Captain Mohammad Rizwan to make ‘no brain decision’ in front of Champions Trophy 2025
All-Rounders: Chopra believes that Pakistan aims to play multiple all-rounders, wishing the depth of batting up to No. 8 or 9, along with Spin-Bowling All-Rounders1. It expects their batting to rotate around Babar and Rizwan.
Players to watch
Chopra identified three players who would be under extra control during Trophy Champions:
- Saud Shakeel: Friends want to see him play extensively.
- Khushdil Shah: To evaluate whether the capabilities of the T20 All-Rounder translate into ODIS.
- Abara Ahmed: As a slightly undervalued player that many have not seen or play.
“There will be a little extra focus on three players-Saud Shakeel because we will see him right playing for the first time. Abrar ahmed, as he is slightly undervalued and many people have not seen or played against him “ Delhi-Lad added further.
Chopra also expects that Pakistan will reach the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals if they perform their potential. However, he added that in order to reach Knockouts, they would have to beat at least one from New Zealand and India, as he does not expect Bangladesh to win a game against them.
